Day 4 - Political Criticism

In this section we’ll discuss the aspects of political criticism, and how it is reflected in both the foreign-based Persian-language media and internal Iranian media. Particular emphasis is going to be put on the vocabulary, used by both critics and supporters of the government. Other more subtle aspects of political criticism (especially unique to the Iranian environment) will also be part of the discussion.

Reading: طیبه سیاوشی: لایحه تامین امنیت زنان ۱۳ سال در دستور کار مانده اما قانون حجاب در اولویت قرار می‌گیرد
(Tayebeh Siavoshi: The bill on ensuring women's security has remained on the agenda for 13 years, but the hijab law is being set as a priority)

In the following article from Asr-e Iran, Tayebeh Siavoshi, an Iranian reformist politician and a former member of the Parliament (2016-2020), criticizes the recent “hijab bill,” arguing that it is disconnected from societal realities.

Additional article: This additional reading material presents examples of criticism from reformist figures regarding the proposed cabinet of then newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Listening: In this episode of Safhe-ye Do (Second Page), a BBC Persian political talk show, the speakers critique Iranian government's response to protests, the arrest of activists. They also explore whether the state is acting out of fear or deliberately instilling fear in society.

Subject of Conversation: Government responses to criticism: suppression, tolerance, or engagement? (واکنش دولت‌ها به انتقاد: سرکوب، تحمل یا تعامل؟)

Students will be required to prepare in advance by formulating questions and developing arguments to defend their opinions on the topic. The discussion will not only explore government responses in general but will also examine Iran’s case alongside examples from other countries such as the U.S., China, Russia, etc.

Homework:
- Please carefully read today’s texts and study the vocabulary. 
- Select an English news or analytical article on a political topic of your choice and translate 2–3 paragraphs of it into Persian.